The theatre company Filter, who were behind the critically acclaimed show ‘Faster,’ has brought the Lyric Hammersmith another unique production. Sean Holmes, the new artistic director of the Lyric, has collaborated with Filter to co-direct Chekhov’s ‘Three Sisters;’ starring Romola Garai as Masha, Clare Dunne as Irina and Poppy Miller as Olga.

Holmes and Filter have created a performance which removes 19th Century costume and understated realism and replaces it with a Brechtian edge. The play is stripped of all familiarity. Sound technicians enter from stage left, the costume is contemporary and sets are adjusted while actors are still on stage, giving this well-known play a novel twist.

However, although it’s arguable whether it works to tamper with such a classic play, it definitely brings a brave and memorable result to the production. Despite the three sisters looking entirely different and Dunne keeping her native Irish accent, they are well characterized and each gives a convincing portrayal of sisters lost. There are impressive performances throughout, especially from Paul Brennan as the cuckolded Kulyginare and the play, if a little unconventional and rough-edged gives a refreshing slant to this Chekhov masterpiece. 

www.lyric.co.uk/

Until 20 February. Information 0871 221 1729.

It seems that survival of the fittest in the Twenty-First Century (up until who knows when), depends upon one thing. Apple. Such a small word for such a colossal phenomenon. Yet, through apple tinted goggles, mountains are mere molehills and rivers deep are just tincy wincy piddly puddles.

Unwrapped, the latest gift given from the Apple Gods is the iPad; designed to allow you to use all your existing “apps,” a movie and music player, a photo display device, and a rich e-book reader.

If you’re feeling a tad underwhelmed at this new revelation – don’t. The iPad is more than just a glorified e-reader. A standard iPod connector allows you to attach an external keyboard, route video to your HD TV or projector, and upload photos from your iPhone. Web browsing is fluid and simple, although, like the iPhone and iPod Touch, there’s no support for Adobe Flash. “Typical” battery grants 10 hours of life from a full charge, and up to a month of standby time when not in use.

The most significant development (I feel), is the ability to purchase books live on your personal bookshelf, wood effect and all, and when a full-color cover is touched, the iBook opens—literally the cover opens up—onto your screen to the first page.

If you have been reluctant to embrace techno tools in the past, well, you’ve come to a rather dramatic crossroads. “Do or die”.

The iPad will sell at an entry price of $499 for a Wi-Fi model with 16GB of internal solid-state storage. For more information go to www.apple.com

Altitude 360 the stunning 8,300 square foot event space with panoramic views over the capital is hosting a Haiti fundraiser in the shape of an exclusive screening of the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday 31 January. 

The event will involve a charity auction and a live screening of the ceremony with celebrity interviews straight from the red carpet so expect cameras flashing, flowing champagne, dazzling smiles, designer dresses, exquisite food and showbiz gossip galore!

And that’s just at Altitude – never mind at the Grammys! 

All proceeds raised will go directly to the Red Cross in aid of the Haiti disaster fund so make sure you get giving and get involved. 

Only 600 tickets are available for this event and entry is exclusively for Altitude 360 Facebook fans so join up asap as it’s first come first served. 

Please RSVP by emailing HaitiGrammyParty@altitudelondon.com

Doors open at 8pm and the party continues til 3am.

www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=295513897517&ref=mf

Altitude 360, Millbank Tower, 21‐24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP, (0) 845 500 2929
www.altitudelondon.com

If you want the super club experience without the crowds, sweat, endless texts tracking down lost friends – not to mention the queues for the bar, let us present the VIP balcony at  the 02′s Matter.

Sponsored by Laurent-Perrier champagne, the design of the balcony incorporates the brand’s distinctive Cuvée Rosé pink spring blossom creative, which contrasts perfectly with the shiny black backdrop of the lounge.

The area which can be hired for up to 145 people, even boasts its own entrance and exclusive bar, ensuring total privacy for guests yet an unrivalled bird’s eye view of the pumping action in the main room below. 

www.matterlondon.com

It’s back, vintage lovers! The legendary costumiers Angels will be once again opening their doors and allowing fans of all things retro to haul their treasures into plastic sacks and take them away for a nominal fee.

The first sale of this kind back in December 2008 caused quite a commotion, with eager shoppers reportedly queuing outside the warehouse from the earliest of hours. This time around the focus is on clothing and accessories circa 1950-1990 (yes, the Nineties are now officially retro, how distressing), with a small sideline in military uniform pieces including overcoats, capes and copious gentlemen’s trenches. As before, pieces are not priced individually but are bought by the bag-load, £20 for a regular and £50 for a supersize.

The Angels warehouse is situated in Wembley, and with doors officially opening at 8.30am in conjunction with huge anticipation it’s looking like a painfully early start. But with one-off pieces in a one-off sale, it’s worth paying with your Saturday lie-in.

Saturday 6th February, £5 entry, 8.30am at 7 Courtenay Road, Wembley, HA9 7ND. For more info go to www.angels.uk.com